So our intrepid scribe lists Sasha tenth, if she appears at all, ahead of only Sara Hecken (Sara beat Rachael Flatt in a junior grand prix event a couple of years ago) and crowd favorite Tugba Karademir.

Actually, there are several ladies in the bottom half that could surprise is, like Gebova and Getevanishvilli.

I know people are all cynical but I just can't help it: I really hope Sasha shows up. Who knows how her jumps are but judging from her recent shows, her spirals and lines are STILL the best in the business. Maybe not quite as good as they were for her in '06 but still better than anyone else in '09. It'll be worth it just for that.

Ryan Bradley ... the Alissa Czisny of men's figure skating. Here's hoping he finally has his Paul Wylie moment. Go Ryan!!! You CAN do it. You know you can.

Agree with Buttercup and schiele. Walker doesn't have to like Verner's perfomances, but to claim that Verner doesn't have the attention to perfomance of Lysacek is over the top IMO.

In Beijing, Suguri finished in a disappointing seventh place with a score more than 30 points less than her personal best. A top five finish in Lake Placid would be a step in the right direction for the three-time Four Continents Champion, but it appears as if this might be the last time that we see her in international competition.

I won't give up on Fumie yet. I want her in Vancouver. Not because of other japanese ladies failing or wd, but because of Fumie making improvements from Beijing. Anyway, she will probably compete in 4 CC. My fingers crossed for Fumie.

In defence of Lysacek, who is by no means my favorite, he did a workman like interpretation of Don Jose in his Carmen. No one has ever interpreted Don Jose but often it's the Toreador. Oh for the bravura.

In my opinion, there's no need for Sasha to rush a return if she's not ready. What would be the point of skating poorly and potentially losing out to two of her competitors at Nationals (Flatt AND Gilles). I'm patient enough to wait for her return at U.S. Nationals. How does the U.S. select the Olympic team? By committee? I know Skate Canada picks based on international results as well...